Open Drafting
OpenDefinition
Open Drafting is used in games in which players pick (or purchase) cards (or tiles, resources, dice, etc) from a common pool, to gain some advantage or to assemble collections that are used to meet objectives within the game.
Top games using this mechanism
By BGG bayes rating, top 50.
| Game | Year | Rating | Wt | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ark Nova#2 | 2021 | 8.35 | 3.8 | 150m |
| Dune: Imperium – Uprising#5 | 2023 | 8.23 | 3.5 | 120m |
| Dune: Imperium#6 | 2020 | 8.22 | 3.1 | 120m |
| The Castles of Burgundy#15 | 2011 | 8.03 | 3.0 | 90m |
| Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization#18 | 2015 | 8.01 | 4.4 | 120m |
| 7 Wonders Duel#24 | 2015 | 7.95 | 2.2 | 30m |
| Concordia#29 | 2013 | 7.93 | 3.0 | 100m |
| Lost Ruins of Arnak#30 | 2020 | 7.92 | 2.9 | 120m |
| Wingspan#38 | 2019 | 7.85 | 2.5 | 70m |
| Mage Knight Board Game#39 | 2011 | 7.84 | 4.4 | 240m |
| Everdell#42 | 2018 | 7.81 | 2.8 | 80m |
| Food Chain Magnate#49 | 2015 | 7.78 | 4.2 | 240m |
| Pax Pamir: Second Edition#53 | 2019 | 7.77 | 3.8 | 120m |
| Harmonies#57 | 2024 | 7.75 | 2.0 | 45m |
| Anachrony#61 | 2017 | 7.73 | 4.0 | 120m |
| Lisboa#69 | 2017 | 7.71 | 4.6 | 120m |
| The White Castle#73 | 2023 | 7.68 | 3.1 | 80m |
| Paladins of the West Kingdom#79 | 2019 | 7.66 | 3.7 | 120m |
| The Gallerist#81 | 2015 | 7.65 | 4.2 | 150m |
| Mechs vs. Minions#90 | 2016 | 7.62 | 2.5 | 120m |
| Azul#96 | 2017 | 7.61 | 1.8 | 45m |
| Clank!: A Deck-Building Adventure#98 | 2016 | 7.60 | 2.2 | 60m |
| El Grande#101 | 1995 | 7.59 | 2.9 | 120m |
| Concordia Venus#105 | 2018 | 7.59 | 3.0 | 120m |
| Aeon's End#108 | 2016 | 7.58 | 2.8 | 60m |
| Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization#118 | 2006 | 7.55 | 4.2 | 120m |
| The Quest for El Dorado#122 | 2017 | 7.54 | 1.9 | 60m |
| Galactic Cruise#125 | 2025 | 7.53 | 4.0 | 150m |
| Architects of the West Kingdom#130 | 2018 | 7.51 | 2.8 | 80m |
| Dominion: Intrigue#132 | 2009 | 7.50 | 2.4 | 30m |
| Lorenzo il Magnifico#141 | 2016 | 7.49 | 3.3 | 120m |
| Mombasa#144 | 2015 | 7.48 | 3.9 | 150m |
| Dominion#145 | 2008 | 7.47 | 2.3 | 30m |
| Patchwork#146 | 2014 | 7.47 | 1.6 | 30m |
| Trajan#148 | 2011 | 7.46 | 3.6 | 120m |
| Aeon's End: War Eternal#149 | 2017 | 7.46 | 2.9 | 60m |
| Clank! In! Space!: A Deck-Building Adventure#162 | 2017 | 7.43 | 2.6 | 90m |
| Tyrants of the Underdark#164 | 2016 | 7.42 | 2.5 | 60m |
| Targi#173 | 2012 | 7.40 | 2.3 | 60m |
| Star Realms#174 | 2014 | 7.40 | 1.9 | 20m |
| Dominion: Second Edition#175 | 2016 | 7.40 | 2.2 | 30m |
| Alchemists#177 | 2014 | 7.40 | 3.9 | 120m |
| Ticket to Ride: Europe#178 | 2005 | 7.40 | 1.9 | 60m |
| Res Arcana#182 | 2019 | 7.39 | 2.7 | 60m |
| Legendary Encounters: An Alien Deck Building Game#197 | 2014 | 7.37 | 2.7 | 60m |
| Kemet#199 | 2012 | 7.36 | 3.0 | 120m |
| Jaipur#201 | 2009 | 7.36 | 1.5 | 30m |
| Endeavor: Age of Sail#206 | 2018 | 7.36 | 2.9 | 90m |
| Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game#219 | 2023 | 7.33 | 2.0 | 90m |
| Sagrada#224 | 2017 | 7.33 | 1.9 | 45m |
Frequently combined with
Other mechanisms that show up in the same games. Click to drill in.
Related deep dives
Long-form design analysis on games using this mechanism.
The Quest for El Dorado
Deep Dive for an iOS Roguelite Translation
Project context: Translate the core loop of *The Quest for El Dorado* (Reiner Knizia, Ravensburger, 2017) into a single-player iOS roguelite. The "Dominion -> Slay the Spire" pattern, but for a *racing* deckbuilder. No direct digital port exists; the genre slot — deckbuilder race…
Tyrants of the Underdark
Deep Dive for an iOS Roguelite Translation
Project context: Translate the core loop of *Tyrants of the Underdark* (Andrew Veen, Peter Lee, Rodney Thompson; Gale Force Nine, 2016; *Aberrations & Undead* expansion 2017; *Updated Edition* / *Refreshed* re-release with the *Drow & Demons* / *Elemental Evil & Drow Houses* half…